Blogger Feature: Brooke of Belts and Bangles

When Brooke from Belts and Bangles reached out to me about writing a post for you all, I was so excited! She definitely knows her way around the trends! Here are some tips she has for you on fall fashion!

Using Colors and Accessories to Make Old Outfits New Again

The leaves are changing, weather is getting cooler and school is back in session. It's time to bring out the long sleeves, boots, and earthy colors. What better way to celebrate this change of season by getting out and sprucing up your fall wardrobe?

Few people want to buy a completely new wardrobe. Instead, most are looking for a few pieces of clothing and accessories to help make their old outfits look new and fashionable year-round. Yet confusion abounds about the colors and items that will be most useful and on-trend. This season there are a variety of colors to choose from to help complement and accessorize your outfits. Here are some colors and tips to get you started.

 Forest Green

This stunning earth tone can be worn in a variety of ways. Sweaters, dresses, blazers, shoes, and bags all seem to be popular this season. What makes forest green especially fun for fashionistas is how easy it is to accessorize! Graceful black scarves can dress up the outfit easily. Nails can be painted colors such as black, gold or red to tie the whole look together. One forest green sweater can create several fashionable outfits. If you only have enough money to invest in one new article of clothing this fall, a forest green sweater or top should definitely be high on the list.

Wine Colors

These deep, beautiful colors really fit with the autumn sense of calm and changing seasons. A long, wine-colored skirt looks elegant even with the simplest tops. A deep red turtleneck can go with a pair of jeans or black pants. Scarves of this color can be used to bring color into black tops or dresses. Wine also matches very nicely with gold. Consider accenting your wine colored outfit with elegant gold bracelets. It's a simple way to look classy, elegant and ready for dinner or for school!

Deep Purple

Purples are another excellent choice for the cooler weather. Their dark, majestic quality creates an aura of style. Like wine colors, deep purple looks great as a top with skirts or jeans, as dresses, scarves, skirts and just about any other article of clothing. It can be accented with accessories such as teal nail polish, deep red necklaces or even brown scarves tossed casually around the neck. One of my favorite accessories is a brown or tan handbag. Such an accessory will not only serve the practical use of holding your makeup, cell phone and other goodies; it's also a fabulous way to tie your outfits together.

As you head out the door to jazz up your fall style, keep in mind that you want to find items that can be used to create more than one outfit. All these colors and accessories should match a multitude of options and keep you looking spectacular throughout the season. Head out today and try a few on. You never know the treasure you may find!

Be sure you head over to Belts and Bangles to get some more great fashion news from Brooke!

Blogger Feature: Kristina of Kristina J.

I'm so excited to feature Kristina, from Kristina J. on The Daily Dani today! I've been a long-time fan of her style and designs, and I'm so happy to be sharing her sweet style with you all!

3 words to describe your personal style?

Feminine, Classy, Unexpected

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?
A black dress, A print sheath dress, Skin-toned wedges, White button-up shirt, Pencil skirt

 

What is your most meaningful item of jewelry?

My watch, because it's functional... but I do try to pick pretty ones.

You are definitely a perfect model of modest fashion in the blogosphere. How do you maintain your modesty while still appearing fashionable?

First, thanks for the compliment.  I dream of actually being fashionable while standing on a platform of modesty. I never put fashion ahead of modesty. For me, the priority is modesty first, so I when I'm shopping and see something I like I always ask myself, "Is this even modest?" If so, then I'm trying to decide if it's cool, if I like it, and if it can fill a space in my wardrobe. I'm always looking for clothing options that are current while being relevant to my age and life style. It's definitely not easy. My goal is never to look sexy or provocative, but stylishly feminine. There are certain styles I won't wear, but outside of those, I feel there are all kinds of creative options from which to choose. It just takes a little more effort and thought.

I'm such a big fan of your designs - whether you're anthropologizing or creating your own originals! Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

That's an easy one!  I generally aim to design dresses I'd like to wear that are just impossible to find at my price point! I'm always looking for inspiration.  It might come from the color combination of a room out of a home decorator's magazine or an interesting landscape. Inspiration is all over the place, and since I'm seriously scatter-brained, I keep a notebook with me all the time to jot the ideas when they come 'cuz I'd never remember them otherwise.  As I get closer to the possibility of opening an online boutique, I've started asking myself what other women want to wear and what they're looking for in a fabulous dress.  The thought that women might want to wear something I've designed is always inspirational!

That's right, you guys! Kristina designed ALL of these dresses, and more!

As a mom, how do you find a balance between fashion/appropriateness/comfort?I'm the stay-at-home mommy to three exceptionally active children.  Playing with them is my life right now and wearing clothes that I feel comfortable in while still looking like I deliberately got dressed is a major priority. I dress up everyday...not necessarily pumps and silk, but I definitely make an effort every morning. I think looking sharp and cohesive makes me a better mom... a better person. I feel confident that my children can be proud of me and that, in turn, makes me feel proud of myself.

My most cringe worthy fashion moment:

There are honestly so many I can't even pick one. I try new things, and many times they back-fire on me.  I've gone a whole day thinking I look great, then look at the daily pictures and realize I didn't look fabulous at all. HA. I always learn a lot from those outfits, though. Outfit failure has a way of refining my perspective on how I'm presenting myself. I went through a major authentic vintage phase that was pretty scary. 

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:

A shirt-dress, belt and wedges.  It's my go-to outfit.  I love a great dress, 'cuz it just takes all the effort out of getting ready. And with being responsible for my children's clothes every morning as well, I really like the ease of a fabulous shirt-dress.

Thanks so much, Kristina! Please head over to Kristina J. to see more of her fabulous frocks!

Blogger Feature: Emily of A Devine Life

I'm so excited to have the adorable and fellow Southern Californian Emily of A Devine Life here on le blog today!

3 words to describe your personal style?

Colorful, Comfortable, Feminine. 

How would you style the classic LBD to reflect your personal style?

I would probably add a piece of statement jewelry and a pop of color. Black is classic, but I can’t resist a little something bright!

What is your go-to, never-fail casual outfit? "Formal" outfit?

A sundress and sandals is definitely my casual uniform. It’s comfortable without looking too undone, and it’s perfect for the beach. Which is obviously the most important thing to consider in California. Or anywhere. When I need to get dressed up, pencil skirts and blazers or a structured dress are typically what I reach for. Blazers make everything look fancy, right? Throw on a pair of pumps and it’s time for work! Or fancy play. 

How has being a California native influenced your style?

Growing up, my summer attire consisted of a bathing suit, flip-flops, and a sundress (if I had time to grab one). Obviously, I had to wear clothes to school and work. California style tends to be more casual than other major cities, and I’ve especially noticed a lack of black in my wardrobe. I have the staples in black (blazer, pencil skirt, pumps, etc.), but I pretty much only buy it when I need to. The colorful and casual elements of my style definitely come from being a Southern California native! Plus, I love my Rainbows. So much.

In your search to find your own niche in the blogosphere, who has inspired you/sent you in the right direction?  Who are your favorite bloggers, and why?

Kendi Skeen of Kendi Everyday was one of the first bloggers I followed, and I still read her blog every day. She has an incredible eye for style, particularly in pairing colors and prints I never would have thought worked. I also love Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies for her creative sense of style, and Anna James of Fash Boulevard for her ability to accessorize. Tieka Dierolf of Selective Potential also has an adorable vintage-inspired style, and her photos are mind-blowing. Seriously, they’re amazing.

My most cringe worthy fashion moment:

Probably the low-cut pants, tight shirt phase in high school. Four inch midriffs were not a great look. I’d show you a picture, but I think I burned lost them all. I also rocked a lot of skorts and scrunchies in elementary school, but really, who didn’t? 

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:

That’s a tough question! But I think I’d have to say a girly dress with flats or wedges. It’s comfortable, flattering, and put-together. Of course, I love a good pair of skinny jeans too. 

See? I told you - adorable! Make sure you head over to A Devine Life to see more of Emily's colorful, girly looks!

Blogger Feature: J of J's Everyday Fashion

I am beyond excited to have J of J's Everyday Fashion here on the blog today! J is pretty much the be-all end-all of "real-girl" style! She recreates outfits seen in look books, catalogs, on celebs... pretty much anywhere - and makes them her own, with perfect execution and affordability! Basically, she's amazing!

 

 

3 words to describe your personal style?

Experimental, colorful and trendy

 

 

Who are your celebrity style icons?

Olivia Palermo and SJP 

 

 

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?

I'm a huge believer that "essentials" means totally different things to different women, depending on your climate, occupation and lifestyle. A few that I would recommend for a broad spectrum of women would be a great pair of jeans, a quality handbag, a work/sheath type dress you can throw on in a pinch, some flat shoes that both comfortable and stylish, and cardigans in different colors.

 

 

What is your favorite/most versatile accessory? 

Oh boy do I love belts! I use them often to change the shape of shirts and dresses to make them less boxy. They can also add more color or texture to your outfit, though, so they are the ultimate double-whammy.

 

 

As a young professional, how do you find a balance between fashion and comfort/professionalism/appropriateness?
You can take a basic work look - such as flats, pencil skirt and collared shirt - and make it fun by adding unique color combinations, prints, layering with a cardigan or blazer, and accessories like statement necklaces. These elements jazz up an outfit, without compromising comfort or dress code.

 

 

Your claim to fame is creating on-trend outfits on a real-girl budget. (I love that!) What are some of the major challenges in this, and what are your tips to working against them?

The biggest challenges of being on a real-girl budget are not looking cheap (see this article for tips), and resisting temptation to spend more of your income on clothes than you should! (see this article for tips)

 

One trend I'm dying to try is:

All of them! :-) 

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: 

The boho look, which is almost always what I'm rocking on super-casual days. Distressed denim, wavy hair, loose t-shirts and turquoise jewelry. That's how you'll find me at the grocery store!

 

 

 Thanks so much for everything, J! All y'all, make sure you head over to J's Everyday Fashion - she posts outfits I want to emulate literally on a daily basis! Follow her blog and you won't be sorry! :)

Blogger Feature: Meggy of Chasing Davies

Public confession time: I'm slightly obsessed with Meggy of Chasing Davies and Chasing Babies! Not only does she have the most fabulous, fun style, but she is also sooo pretty, seems to be the coolest mom eeeeverrrrr, and to top it off, she's super-duper nice! I'm so excited to be featuring her here on The Daily Dani!

3 words to describe your personal style? Ever-changing, Preppy, Layered

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe? Full skirt, button down shirt, a blazer, boyfriend cardigan & booties

Who are your favorite bloggers, and why? I have way too many favorite blogs to name, but the type of blogger I'm drawn to are ones that keep it real. They are honest and candid stories to tell, supportive of readers and other bloggers alike and have pretty pictures to show.

You (semi-)recently had a sweet baby boy! As a new mom, how do you find a balance between fashion/appropriateness/comfort? He is 9 months old and I can't believe how fast it's went and how many times I've had to reinvent my style just since he was born. I think keeping an open mind, trial and error and still having fun with style has helped me balance it all.

Can you name a childhood moment of you and clothing?  One word. Barbies.  I use to dress them up in funky little outfits. I guess that was my only outlet, as I didn't come to care about style and fashion until college. I was a hard core swimmer throughout my younger years, so more into sportswear than fashion.

I splurge on staples, things I can wear a ton & for years to come and save on trends, accents and accessories. 

What are some of your favorite places to shop?
I'm a huge online shopper, consistently with J.Crew & ASOS.  That's mainly because I shop late at night after the baby has gone to sleep, but I also love hitting up local shops and bargain stores like TJ Maxx/Marshall's.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: a full dress or skirt!

Thanks so much, Meggy! Make sure you all head over to Chasing Davies to see more of Meg's amazing style, and if you're looking for more info about her fun family life, check out Chasing Babies!

Blogger Feature: Chelsea of Organized Mess

I am so excited to be featuring of Chelsea of Organized Mess on The Daily Dani today! I love Chelsea's cheery, airy, & feminine style, not to mention she's a total sweetheart!

3 words to describe your personal style? 

I would describe my style as classy and girly with a touch of edginess thrown in. 

Who are your celebrity style icons? 

I am absolutely obsessed with Taylor Swift's style. I know she isn't well known for being a fashionista like other celebrities but I love how her style is always changing with her age. It's so fun to see somebody so relatable changing up their style as you both are growing older. I also love how she is never "risque" with her clothing and always keeps it feminine. 

 

 

How would you style the classic LBD to reflect your personal style? 

For me, the perfect accessory to go with a little black dress is red lips. Such a timeless, classic look. And of course, a pair of heels always pair well.

 

 

Here in Southern California, we don't exactly get true "seasons." How does seasonal weather affect your wardrobe choices? 

Living in Pennsylvania I have learned that I need to embrace each season while remaining flexible when it comes to accessorizing. Pennsylvania is well-known for getting all of the four seasons so I think it's important to buy pieces that you can incorporate into different seasons, not just one. Blazers and cardigans are so perfect for unpredictable weather changes and a good pair of boots that you can incorporate in your Spring weather after the blizzard that they just endured two months before will do you wonders.

Who are your favorite bloggers, and why? 

I have so many favorite bloggers, it is seriously insane! Lately I have been reading "Just Zipped", "Color Me Nana", "Tick Tock Vintage", "The Moptop" and "Cupcakes and Cashmere" like crazy. I love how different all of these bloggers are! Chelsea (zipped) is so casual and laid back with a bit of boho chic thrown in, Dylana (Color Me Nana) has such an edgy and fun style, Veronika (tick tock vintage) is the queen of vintage looks, Tonya (The Moptop) has the cutest vintage-indie style, and Emily (Cupcakes and Cashmere) has such a classic look. 

One trend I'm dying to try is...

I'm dying to try out the actual vintage look for Fall and Winter. I think that's going to be more popular than usual this season. I always pick out vintage inspired things but very rarely do I go shopping for real vintage clothimg. I think that will be fun, and I really want to try out making alterations and doing some DIY projects. 

 

 

What are your favorite trends for fall? 

My favorite trends for the fall are the colors! I love love love wearing shades of orange, mustard yellow, and brown. Also, I love tights. And Fall is the best for cute, new patterned tights. Oh, and let's not forget about the oxfords. Best. Shoes. Ever.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: 

A sundress and cowboy boots! This has always been my go to for the summer and it's the thing I look forward to the most about dressing in the summer. It may not be the most stylish but it's certainly me. 

What did I tell you? Adorable style with an adorable personality to match! I totally see that T. Swift influence in her style, don't you? Go visit Chelsea over at Organized Mess and tell her that she's the cutest! Like, ever.

Blogger Feature: Bre of oh, pish posh

Today on the blog, I'm featuring Bre of oh, pish posh - Bre lives in Utah, but she has such a laid-back, California mindset that I always find myself relating to! Read on to see what I mean!

3 words to describe your personal style?

Simple. Chic. Comfortable.

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?

A black blazer, pencil skirts, over-sized sweaters, heels-heels-heels, and a great pair of comfy, dark jeans or leggings.  

How would you style the classic LBD to reflect your personal style?

Honestly? Just let the Little Black Dress be the Little Black Dress. I would wear simple black heels and simple, dainty gold jewelry. Always gold. Never silver.

What is your go-to, never-fail outfit?

Black leggings, over-sized sweater/baseball tee.

Where do you find inspiration for your outfits?

Everywhere, really. Books, films, music, other people, magazines. I really just wear what I feel comfortable and confident it. That's the best way to go. 

You live in Utah, but visit your boyfriend often in Southern California. How do you see fashion varying between the states?

It really is quite a big difference between states. In California, people are way more laid back than in Utah. Especially with their style. It's all about the simple things. And pairing anything with Converse. I love the style in California. Utah is usually behind the times when it comes to fashion but they are getting better. 

I splurge on ____ and save on ____

I splurge on clothes and save on nothing. WHOOPS. I'm terrible at saving money, really. I need someone to manage my money.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:

My leggings and a baseball tee and no shoes. I love, Love, LOVE shoes but I love not wearing them a thousand times more.

Thanks so much, girl! Head on over to oh, pish posh to see more of Bre's relateable style and kick-back attitude!

Blogger Feature: Megan of Long Live Classy

Please welcome Megan from Long Live Classy to The Daily Dani! Megan's classic style is so impeccable, she impresses me with every outfit post!

 

3 words to describe your personal style?

Classic, Preppy, and Youthful

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?

Every woman should own a sheath dress in a neutral color, a blazer (in either white, black, or navy), a classic pair of pumps, pearls, and a pretty sundress!

Your blog focuses on young women who are interested in classic style with a still youthful twist. What are the challenges in executing this juxtaposition, and how have you been able to overcome them?

There are actually a couple of challenges that I face with this style niche-- One being that even though my blog is centered around people my age (I'm 18), I haven't really met anyone around the same age who shares my style! It doesn't really affect me though, because I adore all of my followers so dearly, no matter how old they are! However, the biggest challenge I face is finding classic clothing with a youthful twist. A lot of clothing that is considered "classic" these days is often tailored towards older women, which means that sizing is often more generous. I have had luck with finding clothes that fit the classic-yet-youthful vibe, but it just takes a lot of searching and shopping! I've found that mixing super classic pieces with a hint of youthful "trendiness" keeps it fresh.

I splurge on classic, timeless pieces (Leather pumps and flats, watches, sunglasses, etc) and save on seasonal, trendier pieces ("Of-the-moment" colors and pieces I can't wear year-round).

One trend I'm dying to try is: 

The bright color block trend!

Can you name a childhood moment of you and clothing?:

My love for fashion and shopping probably began with frequent shopping trips with my grandma. For as long as I can remember, she'd always take me out to the department store and spend hours helping me pick out a brand new outfit (We still do this today!). I give all credit to my grandma for teaching me her classy ways and how to dress like a classy lady. She's 85 years old now, as slender than ever, and still wears three inch heels!

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:

For the office-- A classic sheath dress, a fitted cardigan and belt, and classic pumps. Oh, and you can't forget a chic, structured bag!

For the weekend-- Either a sundress and sandals, or a slouchy tee, mid-rise shorts, and my trusty Sperry's.

Thanks so much, Megan! Don't forget to head over to Long Live Classy and say hello!